I just got this issue from TFAW and LOVED IT! Plus, TFAW gave me a free Superman comic with it for Free Comicbook Day, so that was cool. But, back on topic:
I loved this issue. It was one of the best yet, for sure (although Anywhere But Here is still probably my favorite). A few things:
- I, too, loved Dracula in this issue. I love how he's gone from "mysterious, charming, evil guy" to "petty vampire that hangs around and makes inappropriate comments." Perhaps he'll stick around and become the new Cordelia/Anya? I hope so, to be honest. They need a character like that.
- I agree that the whole Batsu thing is getting a bit tired, but I do love their exchanges and all of the conversations about it. I loved Buffy saying how she thought it was sexy when she called her ma'am, and I loved the conversation between Willow and Satsu in the last issue. But I'm guessing that, after Wolves at the Gate ends, Batsu will be a thing of the past. For now, it's entertaining.
- I officially love Giant Dawn. I thought her constant complaining was annoying at first, but now that she seems to be getting used to it, she's so much fun. I still can't figure out which one I like more..."Fee, fi, fo, f#$*ing fum" or "Hi...uh, I mean, roar?" Also, I don't think her strength is entirely proportionate to her size, but she's definitely a lot stronger than she was person-sized. I don't think regular Dawn could've punched a huge hole in a brick wall (even though her hand started bleeding after she did it), and she was able to step on Amy and knock her unconscious (and for all we know, Amy was super-durable.) And I'm assuming she's probably pretty heavy, so having her step on something is bound to do some damage. Even if that is a continuity error, I can safely assume that, proportionate strength aside, the vampires would be scared of a giant Godzilla-woman.
Also, do you think that maybe the vampires might have made Dawn a giant to distract the Scoobies? Just a thought, since I don't think Kenny did it.
- AH, RENEE! I really hope she's not dead, even though she probably is, since Joss is a sadistic fiend. Xander's already lost all of his love interests; Cordelia, Buffy, and Anya (even though Buffy wasn't technically a love interest, and she was resurrected later.) But there is a good chance that she could survive that. I don't think her Slayer powers were taken away before she was stabbed, so she can probably take more damage than most people. Plus, Willow's right there, so maybe she can heal her before she dies. If Renee does stay dead, do you think it might be their secret plan to get Bander started? That'd be cool, since I've always liked the idea of Buffy and Xander together.